STAMFORD, Conn. -- The mental health of our teenagers is an ongoing issue in America. In addition, therapists, counselors and parents seek to understand and treat adolescent mental health in ways that do no harm. In an effort to shed light on this topic,
Newport Academy,
an adolescent treatment facility, and the University of Connecticut are hosting a day conference on Nov. 9 that explores alternative and holistic methods for addressing teen mental health.

Part of the concern in dealing with teen mental health is the possible over-diagnosis of ADHD medications, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Newport Academy believes that there are sustainable ways to approach mental health, without the use of prescription drugs. "We are looking to highlight the overuse of the ADHD diagnosis and the accompanying mental health treatment for teens," said Kristin Wilson, Director of Clinical Outreach at Newport Academy. "We are encouraging everyone to explore and understand alternative therapies for teens and their families that offer healthier ways of healing, such as music therapy, adventure therapy and art therapy."

The day conference, which is open to social workers, school counselors, hospital workers and others with a clinical perspective on teen mental health, will offer interactive workshops proposing better solutions for helping troubled teenagers. "The idea of the conference is to offer ways for teens to find authentic connections with themselves, their peers and their family, without using pharmaceutical drugs," said Wilson.

Newport Academy is also teaming up with UConn to bring 20 university students studying social work to the conference, free of charge. "The great thing about working with UConn is they have social work students on campus who are actively engaged in the curriculum and have taken an interest in understanding a different perspective on mental health," said Wilson.